Compatibility notes
Compatibility notes
The Genesis and Mega Drive family spans several hardware revisions and add-ons, and not every combination behaves identically. The table below summarizes the practical compatibility points that affect video, audio, and accessories.
| Aspect | Model 1 | Model 2 / 3 |
|---|---|---|
| RGB output | Yes, cleanest | Yes (Model 3 differs in pinout) |
| Stereo audio | Yes (headphone jack on early units) | Model 2 yes; Model 3 mono only |
| Power supply | Specific voltage/polarity | Different from Model 1, not interchangeable |
| Cartridge shape | Standard | Standard (region keying varies) |
Add-on hardware
Expansion devices like the cartridge-based add-ons and the 32-bit booster were designed around specific console revisions and may not physically or electrically fit every model. Always confirm a given add-on is compatible with your exact revision before purchase.
Region and refresh
NTSC consoles run at 60Hz and PAL consoles at 50Hz. A game built for one standard may run at the wrong speed or refuse to boot on the other. A region/refresh switch resolves most of these mismatches.
Rule of thumb
When mixing hardware across regions or revisions, verify three things first: power supply, video standard, and cartridge keying. Those three account for the overwhelming majority of compatibility surprises.